A Healthy Heart Diet Should Not Include High Fructose Corn Syrup

The other day, I was talking to a friend who was sipping a regular soda loaded with high fructose corn syrup. He said he knew high fructose corn syrup is bad and shouldn't be part of a healthy heart diet. But he didn’t know exactly why.

Many people are in that same boat. They hear high fructose corn syrup is bad, but they don’t know exactly what’s so evil about it. Once I told my friend why it shouldn't be part of a healthy heart diet, he threw the rest of his soda away—which was a good move. But I thought this was such important information that I wanted to get the word out about high fructose corn syrup to you as well.

Why Is High Fructose Corn Syrup Bad News?

High fructose corn syrup is processed differently in the bodythan other sugars. It is metabolized in the liver. Experimental animals fed large amounts of fructose develop fatty deposits and cirrhosis, similar to problems that develop in the livers of alcoholics.

In the liver, high fructose corn syrup is converted into triglycerides, fats that circulate through the blood. Elevated triglycerides are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, when triglycerides rise, the level of HDL “good” cholesterol goes down. That’s bad news for heart health, and a good reason to remove high fructose corn syrup from your heart healthy diet.

Leading researchers, including Peter Havel at the University of California Davis Nutrition Department, say that long-term consumption of food and beverages high in fructose content, including both table sugar and high fructose corn syrup, generates a chain of hormonal reactions that contribute to weight gain and obesity, as well as arterial disease. Weight gain and obesity are the key risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

In animal studies reported just this year, a high fructose intake was found to raise the level of uric acid, which in turn inhibits nitric oxide (NO), a key chemical that helps keep arteries dilated.

High fructose corn syrup interferes with the metabolism of two key minerals, magnesium and copper. Magnesium keeps heart cells energized and contributes to healthy bone density. Copper is essential for formation of collagen and elastin, two structural proteins that make up much of the body’s connective tissue.

High fructose corn syrup promotes toxic substances in the blood called advanced glycation end products, which are believed to play a role in the aging process.

What does this mean for you? High fructose corn syrup is bad for your heart and should not be part of a healthy heart diet. Avoid it like the plague. If high fructose corn syrup is on a food product label, stay away from it.

Instead of high fructose corn syrup loaded sodas, opt for water, freshly squeezed organic juices, spritzers from juices and mineral water, and herbal teas. All of these are good choices for a heart healthy diet. If you must have something to sweeten your cereal, coffee, or tea choose ribose or Stevia instead, or add a quarter teaspoon of honey.

Now it’s your turn: Have you found that high fructose corn syrup is bad news for your health?

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DISCLAIMER: The content of DrSinatra.com is offered on an informational basis only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider before making any adjustment to a medication or treatment you are currently using, and/or starting any new medication or treatment. All recommendations are "generally informational" and not specifically applicable to any individual's medical problems, concerns and/or needs.

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About Dr. Sinatra

Dr. Stephen Sinatra is a highly respected and sought-after cardiologist whose integrative approach to treating cardiovascular disease has revitalized patients with even the most advanced forms of illness. Learn more about Dr. Sinatra

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